What Is Merit Aid?

Merit aid is awarded by colleges based on achievements, not financial need. This includes grades, test scores, extracurriculars, leadership, and sometimes even characteristics that align with a school’s institutional goals.

And unlike federal or need-based aid, merit aid often comes directly from the college itself—not the government. These institutional grants can significantly reduce the cost of college, and they don’t need to be paid back.

The Problem: Most Families Don’t Know How It Works

Many students miss out on merit aid simply because they don’t know it’s available—or because they apply to colleges that don’t offer it generously. Merit aid policies vary widely from school to school. Some colleges use merit awards to compete for strong students. Others offer very little unless you qualify for need-based assistance.

This is why understanding each school’s merit aid strategy is critical.

The Solution: Strategic College Selection

At Diversified College Planning, we help families identify which colleges are most generous with merit aid—and how to present their student in the best possible light.

A few key things we help with:

• Finding schools that award merit aid to a broad range of students

• Aligning your student’s profile with merit-friendly institutions

• Timing applications for maximum award potential

• Navigating test-optional merit policies (yes, many still offer merit without test scores)

Merit aid can be a powerful tool—but only if you know where to look and how to ask.

Contact Us Today:
Want help creating a strategy to unlock merit aid for your student?

📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Mike
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/